From beach houses down the Shore to suburban properties in Montclair and Cherry Hill, it’s easy to imagine a real estate career in New Jersey. After all, the Garden State is brimming with opportunity. Follow these seven easy steps if you’re curious about how to become a real estate agent in New Jersey. Let’s begin!

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Quick Steps to Get a New Jersey Real Estate License (+ Costs)
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Step 1: Meet New Jersey requirements (No cost)
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Step 2: Choose a New Jersey real estate school (Cost: $319+)
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Step 3: Pass the New Jersey real estate license exam (Cost: $38)
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Step 4: Undergo fingerprinting & background check (Cost: $66.05)
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Step 5: Apply for a New Jersey real estate license (Cost: $160)
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Step 6: Join a real estate brokerage (No cost)
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Step 7: Start a successful career in NJ

Step 1: Meet New Jersey requirements

To be eligible for a New Jersey real estate license, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Possess a high school diploma
  • Be a US citizen or have legal working status in the US
  • Possess good character, trustworthiness, honesty, and integrity

Types of licensees in New Jersey & how much they earn

  • Licensed real estate agent (salary range: $60,900 to $101,500): Licensed to represent buyers and sellers in real estate transactions while working under a broker.
  • Licensed real estate broker (salary range: $92,000 to $142,000): May operate independently or hire other agents to work for them; in charge of overseeing a real estate transaction.
  • Broker-salesperson (salary range: $60,900 to $101,500): Has a broker’s license but works for another broker, just like an agent
  • Referral agent (salary range: $80,000 to $87,000): A licensed real estate individual who receives leads and then refers those leads to a broker
Want some general information on applying for a license? Check our general guide to getting your real estate license.

Step 2: Choose an NJ real estate school for your prelicensing education

Your prelicensing course is the first major and official step toward becoming a real estate agent in New Jersey. Look for a program with flexible scheduling, thorough course material, and robust student support. Pick an accredited school with strong and verified student reviews to ensure you’re getting quality instruction.

One of the best real estate schools in New Jersey is Colibri Real Estate, which offers online courses that allow you to learn in your comfort zone. Colibri’s varied course packages and support tools make completing the 75 hours of education you need and preparing for the licensing exam easy.

Enroll now in Colibri Real Estate

Use our code “TheClose50” to get 50% off!

Two screenshots of the Colibri Real Estate dashboard.
Colibri Real Estate’s course dashboard

Step 3: Pass the New Jersey real estate license exam

New Jersey does not designate a limitation on the number of retakes for the salesperson license exam. All retakes must occur within your one-year eligibility window from completing your pre-licensing education. You’ll have to wait 24 hours before logging in to the PSI website to schedule your next attempt and pay the exam fee again.

Step 4: Undergo fingerprinting & background checks

All applicants must submit fingerprints for the NJ real estate licensing process, including a background check. Here are the details:

Step 5: Apply for a New Jersey real estate license

Applying for your real estate agent license in New Jersey is cut-and-dry once you’ve passed the exam. You’ll apply via mail or online to the New Jersey Real Estate Commission. Here are the things you should include in your application:

  • Proof of completion of the 75-hour pre-licensing course
  • Your passing score on the licensing exam
  • A signed commitment from a sponsoring broker

Step 6: Join a real estate brokerage

After licensure, the next step is to join a real estate brokerage. This step is required because all agents in New Jersey must work under the supervision of a licensed broker. A brokerage will introduce you to critical training, tools, and MLS listings to get you up and running. 

In addition to commission splits, you need to find a company that is a cultural fit, offers quality training, and can provide mentors. Research local brokerages and interview several to find the best fit for your career goals and working style.

Start looking for brokerages in the areas you’d like to work in to jump-start your new career. Check out our roundup of the best real estate companies to work for to learn about some larger firms.

Step 7: Start a successful career in New Jersey

With your license, you’re ready to become a successful real estate agent in the state. Here’s how to have a blossoming career after obtaining an NJ real estate license:

  • Go online: Utilize social media platforms and a professional website to attract clients. Check our social media marketing guide to get started.
  • Network building: Connect with local professionals, attend events, and join real estate groups to build your network circle. Here are some real estate networking tips to streamline your efforts.
  • Take advantage of lead generation tools: Third-party lead generation services will significantly ease your work generating leads. Get started with our roundup of the best places to buy leads.
  • Continuing education (CE): Stay ahead in the current market by continuing education courses. Here’s a list of our recommended CE course providers.
  • Provide excellent customer service: Interact personally with your customers in a way that encourages trust and recommendations.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Your take

Now that you know how to become a real estate agent in NJ, it’s time to chase those leads and turn them into clients. At The Close, we’ll guide you through every step of your real estate journey. Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments!